Chairman Henry Kiven’s opening remarks
A book launch represents the culmination of months, even years, of hard work. Behind every page lies the author’s dedication, passion, and life experiences. Today’s book offers much more than words on paper; it’s a legacy, a tool for enlightenment, and perhaps a call to action for all of us to share our own stories with the world.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the author, Martin Jumbam. This autobiography is a testament to your vision and commitment, and I am confident it will leave an indelible mark on every reader’s heart and mind. Your dedication to storytelling, your commitment to preserving our heritage, and your exceptional writing continue to inspire us all. May this book reach readers far and wide, and may it mark the beginning of even more remarkable works to come. Let us all draw inspiration from the courage, wisdom, and insight contained within.
Before we proceed, I want to thank everyone who made this day possible. From the editors to the publishers, from friends and family to early readers, myself included—each of us has contributed to bringing this vision to life. Let us celebrate this milestone together and honour the incredible achievement that has brought us here today.
I have known Martin for over 30 years. We first met in 1996 when I joined Pecten Cameroon Company as the Company Treasurer and Banking Desk Analyst. At the time, Martin was already established as the lead translator for the company and had just transitioned to Human Resources. What impressed me most about Martin, beyond his evident skill, was his serene love for soothing classical music, particularly Gregorian chants. His office was always filled with soft music from his CD player, creating a perfect backdrop for the challenging translation work he handled. I have always admired how this music seemed to create an ideal environment for his creativity to flow, enabling him to produce translations with precision and clarity. It likely had the same effect when he began to write.
As I got to know Martin better, I discovered that his talents extended far beyond translation. Martin is a prolific writer, having authored numerous articles and books. His love for the written word is a hallmark of his life’s work, and when Cardinal Tumi needed someone to manage the Catholic printing press, MACACOS, it was no surprise that he chose Martin. Martin brought exceptional skill and leadership to his role as Director, where his impact remains unparalleled. His contributions to the printing press set a standard of excellence that continues to resonate.
This evening, we gather to celebrate Martin’s latest literary achievement, From the Highlands of Nkar to the World. This book reflects Martin’s journey, beginning in the serene highlands of Nkar in Bui Division of Cameroon’s North West Region and extending to the broader world. His other works include My Conversion Journey with Christian Cardinal Tumi (Langaa Press, 2015), Beads of Memory (Spears, 2020), and the co-authored My Night in Captivity with Christian Cardinal Tumi (Spears, 2021).
From the Highlands of Nkar to the World is a deeply personal and inspiring account of Martin Jumbam’s life journey, beginning in the quiet, rustic village of Nkar in Cameroon. Rooted in the humble yet rich culture of his birthplace, Martin’s path leads him through an educational journey that shapes his character and broadens his horizons far beyond his roots.
In this memoir, Martin recounts his progression from secondary school in Victoria to the esteemed halls of CCAST Bambili for high school. With a fierce determination to excel, he continued his studies at the University of Yaoundé, joining a generation of young Africans striving for knowledge amidst societal and political transitions. Driven by ambition and a desire to explore, Martin’s academic pursuits then took him overseas, leading him across continents—from Europe to America, and later to Canada.
His memoir delves into the trials faced by African students abroad, from cultural isolation to financial hardship, as Martin learned to navigate unfamiliar environments and intense academic pressures. Despite these challenges, he achieved an impressive record of academic success, with each milestone reflecting his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. His journey also captures the joy and personal growth found in building relationships; he ultimately returned to Cameroon not only with a wealth of knowledge but also as a husband and father.
Martin’s story is both a personal reflection and an inspiring message for all who dream of transcending their beginnings. With wisdom and humility, From the Highlands of Nkar to the World offers a powerful narrative of courage, cultural pride, and the strength to forge one’s path in the world.
Martin’s work does not stand alone—it is part of a proud literary tradition among the sons and daughters of Nso origin from Cameroon’s North West Region. His contributions add to an impressive collection of titles that reflect the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of his region.
In my library, I am fortunate to count many works by Nso authors, including:
- ABBA Father by Father Kushu-Solii Ngah,
- The Spiritual Perfection of the Human Being by Father Frederick Njumferghai,
- Father Aloysius Balon Wankuy, a biography by Prof. Daniel Lantum,
- Nso Went to Mvem by Prof. Daniel Lantum,
- My Conversion Journey with Christian Cardinal Tumi by Martin Jumbam,
- The Political Regimes of Ahmadou Ahidjo and Paul Biya and Christian Tumi, Priest by Christian Cardinal Tumi,
- Homilies and Discourses of Bishop Immanuel Bushu Vols 1-3;
- Short Stories by Nsahlai Athanasius,
- New Religious Movements and Satanism in Cameroon by Tatah Mbuy,
- The Portrait of Vincent Lainjo, A Cameroonian Visionary by Prof. Julius Ngoh, Mr. Henry Kah, and Mr. Walter Nkwi,
- How I Walked the Magic Carpet by Shey O.B.B Sendze,
- Studying the Faith of Our Ancestors by Tatah Mbuy,
- Rethinking the African Philosophy of Education by Kijika M. Billa.
Additionally, I must highlight the seminal works of Professor Bernard Fonlon, whose intellectual contributions continue to inspire us all. Some of his key works include:
- The Genuine Intellectual,
- The Task of Today and Other Seminal Essays,
- Challenge of Culture in Africa – From Restoration to Integration,
- An Open Letter to the Bishops of Buea and Bamenda.
This rich literary tradition is a source of immense pride, not just for Nso but for Cameroon and Africa as a whole. Martin Jumbam’s ‘From the Highlands of Nkar to the World’ is a valuable addition to this collection and underscores the importance of preserving and sharing our stories with the world.
As we gather to celebrate this literary milestone, it is important to reflect on the state of our reading culture, particularly here in Cameroon. Writing a book is one thing, but encouraging readership is another, especially in a context where reading habits have declined. This brings me to a critical question I like us all to consider: When was the last time you read a novel? For those of you who can proudly say “a month ago,” I commend you. But for many, this question may prompt some reflection.
There is a popular saying that if you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book. This stereotype persists because, unfortunately, it reflects a reality for many. But tonight, I challenge all of us to change that narrative. We must commit to supporting African authors by reading their works. Books like From the Highlands of Nkar to the World are vital to understanding our heritage, our culture, and our place in the world.
Reading itself is an enriching habit that has many benefits. It sharpens our minds, expands our vocabulary, and strengthens our ability to think critically. Regular reading has also been shown to reduce stress, increase empathy, and improve focus, which are all qualities that are valuable not only to individuals but to communities. Moreover, by reading books from our own culture, we gain a deeper appreciation of our identity and heritage, which strengthens our sense of belonging and pride.
From a personal perspective, reading has always been a part of my life. In primary school, we read stories like Mungo Park, Tchanga and Anomah, The Story of the Stolen Goat, and the entire S.N. Tita series as part of our coursework. In secondary school, we competed to read books from the African Writers Series (AWS) by authors such as Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Buchi Emecheta, Steve Biko, Cyprian Ekwensi, Kenjo Jumbam, Mongo Beti, and others. Works by William Shakespeare were equally inspiring, from The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, and Antony and Cleopatra, to Othello, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. In high school, even with the demands of regular schoolwork, we found time to read James Hadley Chase novels. It was a source of pride to carry a James Hadley Chase novel alongside our class books. Reading was a daily routine—it shaped our understanding of the world and fostered a lifelong habit of intellectual curiosity.
Today, despite the fast pace of modern life, reading remains an essential part of my routine. Whether it is a novel, a report, or an academic paper, reading informs my decisions and broadens my perspective. It is a habit I encourage everyone to develop and maintain. Let us commit tonight to reading at least one book every month, starting with From the Highlands of Nkar to the World. Martin has made it accessible by ensuring that copies are available directly from the publishers, Spear Media Press, as well as on Amazon, so there’s no excuse not to begin.
Thank you all for your attention. I hope you enjoy the rest of the program and, most importantly, that you take the time to savor From the Highlands of Nkar to the World.
With that, I officially declare this virtual book launch open. May this event inspire, motivate, and elevate us all. Thank you, and let us now embark on a journey into the remarkable world Martin Jumbam has created in this and his other works.
Enjoy the event!
Henry Kiven,
Chairman
